Worthington Primary Computing Curriculum Statement

Intent

Within an ever changing and technological world, Worthington Primary School understands and values the importance of teaching Computing from a young age

Therefore, it is our school’s aim to equip children with the relevant skills and knowledge that is required to understand the three core areas of Computing (Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy) and to offer a broad and balanced approach to providing quality first teaching of this subject.

Computing is an integral part to a child’s education and everyday life. Therefore, we intend to support our pupils to access and understand the core principles of this subject through engaging and cross-curricular opportunities.  

We aim to provide students with a solid foundation in computational thinking, coding concepts and digital literacy from an early age.  We teach students responsible and safe use of technology, including online behaviour, privacy and security, to empower them as digital citizens.  We strive to making learning computing enjoyable and engaging for students, utilising computer based and hands-on-activities that cater to diverse learning styles.  We acknowledge that future generations will rely heavily on their computational confidence and digital skills in order to support their future academic progress and chosen career paths.

Implementation

Our scheme of work for Computing is adapted from the ‘Teach Computing’ and ‘Twinkl’ curriculum which covers all aspects of the National Curriculum. 

The curriculum aims to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to thrive in the digital world of today and the future.

 The curriculum can be broken down into 3 strands: computer science, information technology and digital literacy.  Children will have the opportunity to explore and respond to key issues such as cyber bullying, online safety, plagiarism and digital communication.  The children have access to resources which aid the acquisition of skills and knowledge and access to hardware (computers, laptops, iPads and programmable equipment) and software that they need to develop knowledge and skills of digital systems and their applications.  The importance of online safety is shown through information displayed in and around school and in the ICT suite.  Parents are informed of issues relating to online safety and support is provided when required.

In EYFS, opportunities are planned for children to access interactive online games, painting and drawing tools to create pictures and cards and opportunities to access Google Earth and Google maps at a basic level using the I-Pads. Children use B-Bots to plan and programme routes and to listen to and record statements using simple recording devices.

Impact

Computing skills are a major factor in enabling children to be confident, creative and independent learners and it is our intention that children have every opportunity available to allow them to achieve this, both at home and in school.  At the end of each year, pupils have developed their computing skills, and have gained a new understanding of online safety issues and how to keep themselves safe online.

Children will have a secure and comprehensive knowledge of the implications of technology and digital systems. This is important in a society where technologies and trends are rapidly evolving.

Pupils know how and why technology is used in the outside world, and in the workplace.   

Evidence of progression and achievement will be seen in examples of pupils’ work stored on the server and work completed in their files.

Pupils will be familiar with and will discuss their understanding of the three main strands and will know key vocabulary associated with these.   Confidence in this subject will also mean that pupils are able to be more independent and competent in life skills such as problem solving and logical thinking.